Obedience - Basic

Operant conditioning training methods are taught, focusing on positive rewards and results. Emphasis of this class is to insure that the dog is a respected member of the community. Handlers are taught how to train and communicate with their dog so they will act mannerly in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs. Dog owners/handlers will be taught how to train their dogs to: sit, down, stay, heel, stand for exam, watch, recall, and possibly tricks. Meets once a week for six weeks.

Obedience - Intermediate

Includes CGC test to be given on the last night of class. This class is for handlers and dogs who have completed the Basic Obedience or who have completed one of the higher level Puppy Classes. The goals of the class are to further strengthen the foundations that were learned in the previous obedience class. We will continue to focus on basic commands with ever increasing challenges and distractions, with a strong emphasis on focus, the dog's attentiveness to the handler. Do you want a happy willing companion who "comes" when called even with other people or dogs around, or do you want to prepare for performance events? The environment of this class allows for dogs and handlers of varying levels to continue to work towards their ultimate goals. Meets once a week for six weeks.

Obedience - Canine Good Citizen

The purpose of the Canine Good Citizen award is to promote responsible dog ownership. The award helps give credibility and recognition to your well-behaved good-citizen dog! The AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certification test will be given several times a year, usually at the conclusion of a class session. The CGC test is offered free to those currently enrolled in our classes. Passing dogs will receive their AKC CGC award! There is no age limit on the test and it is available to mixed breeds as well as purebred dogs.

*free to class participants of these classes: Obedience Level 2, Rock n Roll

CGC testers: Julie Richards-Mostosky, CPDT; Kari Selinger, NADOI; Nick Dillman

Obedience - Competitive

Tricks and tips to help you and your dog step into the obedience ring with confidence. This class will help build you and your dog into a highly competitive team. It will help assure success at obtaining your obedience goals and have fun doing it! Concentration will be on: obtaining good working attitude, quick responses, problem solving, and proofing. Rules and procedures for both AKC and UKC rings will be covered. Dogs need to know heel, stay, sit, down, stand for exam, and a recall or have instructor approval. Class is once a week for 30 minutes.

Obedience - Rally

Rally Style Obedience emphasizes fun and excitement for the dog and handler. Rally Style Obedience is done as a single continuous performance. Some say it is blend between obedience and agility. Emphasis in Rally is fun, communicating and encouraging your dog while executing a specific course design of obedience exercises. Rally is very similar to how many train and work with their dogs while practicing. This is a great class for those needing a change of pace or for those working toward working titles. Pre-requisite CGC class or equivalent, dogs and handlers should know the basic concepts for heel, stay, sit, down, stand for exam, and a recall for participation in this class. Class is once a week for 30 minutes.

Obedience & Rally Matches

Obedience and Rally matches are held in a manner that simulates an actual trial, only it is for practice and experience only. Treats and talking "corrections" are allowed. You will be scored, judged, and evaluated if you desire.

Puppy Love

This class covers puppy basics, puppy issues, training, care. Controlled puppy playtime to assure safe interaction between puppies. Games and activities for socialization with people and the environment. Meets once a week for six weeks.

* Age: 8 weeks to 16 weeks *
* Dogs do attend first class *

A+ Excelerated Puppy

This class is designed for dogs from 8 weeks to 1 year. We concentrate on developing good communication between you and your dog; leadership skills for you. Foundation exercises that teach your pup self-control and build confidence. We will also work on loose-leash walking, greeting people properly (not jumping), recalls (come), basic obedience skills, and focus. The training methods are positive, dog-friendly, and fun!

* Age: 8 weeks to 1 Year *
* Dogs do attend first class *
* Owners must bring dog crate and soft small dog treats *

Puppy Rock 'N Roll

Continuation of the A+ puppy class. Only for puppies that have completed the A+ Excelerated Puppy course or with special permision from instructor.

Agility - Intro

This class covers Agility Levels 1, 2, & 3. Agility is a fun fast paced sport. It is a great place to help build confidence for you and your dog, as well as give a different venue to continue working on obedience commands. This class introduces you to the full size regulation agility equipment, with a strong emphasis on safety and fun. We will also spend time on handler techniques, developing teamwork and a partnership between dog and handlers. This class is good whether you see agility competition in you and your dog's future or simply looking to add some quality-fun time to your dog's life. Prerequisite: Basic Obedience or Puppy class. Meets once a week for six weeks.

Pre-registration required, class size is limited!

Agility - Focus/Skills

Agility Levels 4, 5, & 6. The focus of this class is to teach both dog and handler, agility handling techniques, the foundations of running sequences, and the attention needed to being a team. Completing the skill-set of this course is a prerequisite for the Advanced and Competitive Agility course. Successful mastering of the following skill-set is required before progressing to a higher level agility course. Skill-set to be tested: Off-leash control; send away; independent-safe-performance of agility equipment; 3' sit-stay with distractions; recall with distractions; understanding of handling crosses.

Prerequisite: passed Agility level 3. Class meets once a week for six weeks.

Pre-registration required, class size is limited!

Agility - Advanced Competition

Prerequisite: Instructor approval. Class meets once a week for six weeks.

Agility - Masters

This course has an ever-changing curriculum.  Sequences geared toward Excellent level course analysis, discussion of crosses, handling skills, obstacles discrimination, proofing to build optimum communication and team work. 

Prerequisite: Instructor approval. Meets once a week for six weeks.

Conformation

This class will help you with the subtleties-of-finesse and style in the show ring. Focus is on stacking and gaiting your dog to best show off your dog's strengths and to learn to do it with confidence! This class is for all experience levels, all breeds, and all ages of dogs (and people).

Open Mat Time

Cost:
$10/15.00 per hour/person
$30.00 per hour Agility

Start Date:
By Appointment

Building Rental for current Taking The Lead students is $10 per hour/person; For non-current students of Taking The Lead the building rental fee is $15 per hour per person.
Building rental with use of agility equipment is $30 per hour/person
Call 269.781.7800